Rochester Region, NY Chapter of the EWGA » golf instruction

Brian Jones on Saving Strokes

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:41:32 +0000

Are you looking to improve your golf game?

How about four hours of golf school-style instruction with Brian Jacobs, Director of Instruction at Irondequoit Country Club?

That’s what you’ll get if you register for Saving Strokes, a golf instructional program our EWGA chapter is offering Rochester’s women golfers. This two-part clinic, which is geared toward more experienced golfers, is being offered on May 25th and June 1st from 6-8:00 pm at Irondequoit Country Club.

(The other program, Get Golf Ready, is geared toward beginning golfers.)

Click here to register online.

Golf instruction from the best

Saving Strokes is being taught by one of Rochester’s most respected golf pros. Jacobs is a certified Hank Haney golf instructor and has coached golf at both the high school and college levels. He’s also caddied for LPGA pros, including Angela Stanford, Tracy Hanson, Mary Beth Zimmerman, and Maggie Wills.

Saving Strokes will cover every type of golf swing, from full swings through the short game–putting, chipping, and pitching. “We’ll also cover some specific types of swings, such as iron play and fairway woods,” Jacobs says.

Jacobs will start out by doing an assessment of each students’ swings. Then he’ll help students understand how to make improvements to add distance and accuracy. “My teaching style is very dynamic,” he says. “I do a lot of hands on work to help students learn proper positions.”

Empowering students

Another goal Jacobs has set for Saving Strokes is to help students understand the reason they make poor swings. “It’s important for women golfers to recognize ball flights, so when they get out on the course they can make their own corrections,” he says. “This empowers golfers so that they aren’t dependent on lessons.”

Small Group Setting

Saving Strokes is a group lesson, but enrollment is limited — so students can get more individualized attention at a lower cost than private lessons.

The cost for Saving Strokes is $125 for EWGA members and $150 for non-members. (Please note that there is an additional $3.00 processing fee if you pay by credit card or Paypal.)

Register Today!

We still have room left in Saving Strokes — but you have to act now. Registration closes on Wednesday, May 18!

The good news: you can register online by clicking here.

So register today and give your 2010 golf game the boost it deserves

PGA Pro Todd Riolo on our 4/27 Golf Rules Clinic

admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:27:57 +0000

Think learning golf rules is boring?

Think again!

Our Rules, Etiquette, and Handicap Clinic (Tuesday, April 27, 6-7:30 pm, Ravenwood Golf Club) is going to be FUN.

How much fun? We caught up with PGA Pro Todd Riolo, who is teaching the rules and etiquette portion of this clinic to ask him what he’s got in mind.

(Wendy Bolton, our Handicap Chair, will host the handicap presentation after Todd finishes his portion of the clinic.)

Hands-On = Faster Grasp of Rules Procedures

One thing that caught our interest: Todd will be taking us right out onto the course for hands-on demonstrations of golf rules.

Why do this? Because seeing how golf rules are applied in a real-world situation makes it easier to understand them.

“It’s not always easy to understand from someone’s description, or from a diagram on a board,” Todd explains. “What does it mean to take two club lengths? What direction do you take them? When you actually see someone demonstrate procedures, you really understand how to do them yourself.”

Todd emphasizes that he won’t be covering little-used or obscure rules, just the ones he calls “every day rules of golf:” the rules we use all the time when we play — or try to. “You’d be surprised how many people don’t know the rules very well,” he says.

Even the pros need help, sometimes!

That includes pros, Todd adds. At this year’s Friday round of the Augusta Masters Tournament, for instance, Ernie Els nearly took a ball drop when he didn’t need to (he thought his ball had gone into a water hazard on #15 but it hadn’t — it was still in play). Had he not been stopped by fans, he would have taken an unnecessary 1-stroke penalty.

“Rules are there to help the player,” Todd explains. “If you know the rules, you can take advantage of them to help you put up the best possible score.”

Another situation Todd sees all the time: people think it’s okay to set rules, as long as everybody in their group agrees. “Just because everyone else in your foursome says ‘yes’ doesn’t mean you’re following the rules.”

On the contrary: you can incur a penalty just for agreeing to break a golf rule!

A supportive setting

Todd is also committed to helping clinic attendees feel comfortable. “I want people to ask questions.” Sometimes people worry that their question is “dumb” — but they shouldn’t. “The person sitting next to you probably has the same question,” he says.

Have a rules or etiquette question you’d rather not ask in front of the group?

No problem! Just write it down and give it to Todd before the clinic starts, and he’ll cover it anonymously during the class.

There will be dinner specials. Wine specials!

We said it was going to be fun, and we meant it!

Ravenwood — which has a completely new and gorgeous bar and dining room — will be offering dinner and wine specials to clinic attendees.

It’ll be a great chance to socialize and enjoy one of Rochester’s premiere public golf facilities.

And . . this clinic is free to EWGA members

Not only that, but we’re now making it easier than ever to register. Just enter your name, phone number, and email address below.

(Non-members, if you register using the form below, please bring your $10 payment the evening of the clinic.)

[contact-form]

EWGA members feelin’ the burn :-)

admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:52:38 +0000

Personal trainer Helene Sallerson emphasized proper form during the Rochester EWGA women's golf fitness class. Her routines included many core strength exercises like this one, for abdominals.

We’re almost there!

This coming Saturday is the sixth and final week of the EWGA Golf Fitness Class with personal trainer Helene Sallerson.

And what a great experience it’s been! Helene has been fantastic. She’s helped us strengthen all the major muscle groups we need to swing a club, from core and upper body to glutes.

Yes, we found ourselves a bit stiff and sore the next morning — especially those first few weeks. But we’ve also seen results — and we’ve learned some great new fitness techniques and habits.

And just in time for the 2010 golf season, too!

In-Depth Golf Instruction to Help Your Game

admin — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:51:07 +0000

Our golf clinics, described here, are an inexpensive way to tune up your game.

But what if you want more in-depth help?

No problem. Just sign up for our Golf Instructional Series, a program that provides four hours total of instruction offered over two sessions. You get “hands on” instruction in a small group setting — enabling the pros to give you more personal attention and focus than in our clinics.

We’re offering two Instructional Series programs this year.

Saving Strokes

The Saving Strokes Series is geared toward more experienced golfers.

Tuesdays, May 25 & June 1
6:00 – 8:00 pm @ Irondequoit Country Club
Brian Jacobs, PGA Professional

Download a registration form for Saving Strokes here.

Get Golf Ready

Get Golf Ready is targeted at inexperienced or beginning golfers.

Wednesdays, June 9 & June 16
6:00 – 8:00 pm @ Ravenwood Golf Club
Ann Pangman Esterman, LPGA Professional

Download a registration form for Get Golf Ready here.

The cost for each instructional series is $125 for EWGA Members and $ 150 for Non-Members. Participation is limited so be sure to sign up today!

Rochester women, improve your golf game!

admin — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:12:06 +0000

They’re back!

One of the great things about our EWGA chapter is our golf clinics. They are a great way to tune up your game and meet area teaching pros!

And they are priced very reasonably.

The rules clinic on April 27 is free to members, and only $10 for non-members. (Scroll down for some exciting news about that clinic!)

All of the other clinics are $10 for EWGA members and $15 for non-members. Even better: members who bring a guest can register for only $5!

So mark your calendars — and download your clinic registration form here.

Driving Clinic @ Irondequoit Country Club, April 24 (Sat.) 4-5:00 pm, Brian Jacobs, PGA Professional.

Rules, Etiquette & Handicaps @ Ravenwood Golf Club, April 27 (Tues.) 6-7:30 pm, Todd Riolo – PGA Professional. EWGA league members are strongly encouraged to attend this clinic.

Putting Clinic @ Ravenwood Golf Club, May 8 (Sat.) 8:30-9:30 am, Ann Pangman Esterman – LPGA Professional.

Sand Shots & Pitching Clinic @ Champion Hills, May 12 (Wed.) 6-7:00 pm, Darlene Sommer – LPGA Professional.

Iron Clinic @ Genesee Valley Park Golf Course, May 22 (Sat.) 12–1:00 pm, Tom Bolduc, PGA Professional.

Chipping Clinic @ Ravenwood Golf Club, June 19 (Sat.) 8:30-9:30 am, Ann Pangman Esterman, LPGA Professional. NOTE: The date for this clinic was originally June 12. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Not your mother’s rules clinic

We’re particularly excited about our 2010 Rules, Etiquette, and Handicaps Clinic.

This year, we’re combining socializing with a “hands on” session on golf rules and etiquette. We’ll be heading out onto the course at Ravenwood, where Todd Riolo will give us tips on things like proper dropping procedures.

Ravenwood will be offering some food and drink specials.

And for the grand finale, our chapter Handicap Chair, Wendy Bolton, will do a presentation on how to use the EWGA handicap service.

This is a don’t-miss event!

There is no registration fee for EWGA members for our Rules Clinic.

If you are playing in one of our leagues . . .

. . . we strongly encourage you to attend the rules clinic.

Learning rules and golf etiquette is such an important part of golf. Playing in our leagues gives you a chance to practice the rules in a supportive setting. So start the year out right by attending this important clinic!

UPDATE: The date for the chipping clinic at Ravenwood has been changed to June 19. We apologize for any inconvenience.

2010 Rochester EWGA Calendar of Events

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:11:40 +0000

Here is our preliminary 2010 Calendar of Events. As you can see, our chapter is a busy one, offering many opportunities for women golfers to play, work on their games, and meet other Rochester golfers!

Please note we’ll be adding to this as the year goes on.

In addition, all dates, locations and other information subject to change, so please check on our website home page to make sure you have the latest information.

League registration information can be found here. We’ll be adding registration information for other events shortly.

March 20 Kick-off Brunch @ Midvale Country Club
April 28 Victor Hills GC League Begins, Wednesdays PM – 16 weeks
May 3 Ravenwood GC League Begins, Mondays PM 5:30 PM – 8 weeks
May 4 The Brookwoods CC League Begins, Tuesdays PM 5:15 PM – 12 weeks
May 13 Country Club of Mendon League Begins, Thursdays PM 5:15 PM – 11 weeks
May 21 Wine & Nine Event @ Champion Hills
May 23 Weekend Recreational Golf Begins @ Courses throughout the Rochester Area
May 25 Champion Hills Beginners League Begins, Tuesdays PM 5:30 PM – 6 weeks
June 18 Nine Hole Scotch Tournament @ Eagle Vale Golf Club
June 29 Deadline for Chapter Championship Registration
July 11 Chapter Champ Practice Round @ Mill Creek
July 17 Chapter Championship Tournament @ Mill Creek
August 15 18 Hole Golf Event @ Country Club of Mendon
August 21 Sectional Championship Tournament @ Springfield, MA
September 12 Season End 18 Hole Event @ Ravenwood GC
September 26 Thruway Challenge @ TBD (Syracuse)
October 1 – 2 EWGA Championship Finals @ Champion Lake, Geneva, WI
November 6 Member Appreciation Banquet @ TBD

We’re also working to post an actual calendar on the site. We’ll let you know when it’s up & functional.

Register now for our 2010 EWGA Kick-Off Brunch

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:58:16 +0000

As promised, here is the registration form for the 2010 Kick-Off Brunch of the Rochester Region, NY Chapter of the EWGA.

Location: Midvale Country Club, 2387 Baird Rd., Penfield
Date: Saturday, March 20
Time: 10:00 am – noon
Cost: $20 (includes brunch)
Dress: Country club attire is requested; no denim, please.

This event is open to all Rochester women golfers. Seating is limited, so please get your registration form into us ASAP.

It’s going to be a great event!

Our featured guest is Sports Psychology Consultant Shannon Walton, who will be giving a talk on “golf and positive self-talk.” Click here to read our website interview with Shannon.

And that’s not all

We’ll be giving away door prizes.

We’ll be holding a drawing for a free one-year membership, open to women who register to join the EWGA for the first time at the kick-off.

Former member thinking of re-joining? The EWGA is waiving the $25 reinstatement fee to former members who re-join at the chapter kick-offs.

The kick-off is also your opportunity to sign up for our EWGA chapter leagues, clinics, and mentoring program.

Rochester women’s golf leagues

The Rochester Region, NY Chapter of the EWGA runs a number of leagues at various courses for women golfers throughout the Rochester area — and we’ll have details and sign-up sheets at the Kick-Off. Note that although our leagues are also open to non-members, we give priority to EWGA members, and some of our leagues do fill up quickly. Members also receive discounted pricing on leagues.

Golf clinics to help women work on their games

We’ll have details, dates, and locations for our 2010 EWGA golf clinics available at the kick-off. These clinics are a great way for women golfers in the Rochester area to improve their golfing skills!

Mentoring program

New to the game of golf? Why not sign up for the EWGA Fairway Friends golf mentoring program? Through this program, beginning women golfers are paired with experienced golfers who will answer their golf-related questions and take them golfing at least twice during the 2010 season. Click here to read more about this program.

EWGA membership information and registration forms will also be available at the event.

Remember: Seating at this event is limited! Please download and mail your registration form today to reserve your seat!

Country club attire requested. No denim please.

Women golfers and positive self-talk: an interview with Shannon Walton

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:07:30 +0000

Sports Psychologist Shannon Walton will speak at the 2010 Chapter Kickoff Event of the Rochester Region, NY Chapter of the EWGA.

Sports Psychology Consultant Shannon Walton, M.S., will be our featured guest speaker at our 2010 Chapter Kick-Off on Saturday March 20, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, at Midvale Country Club.

She’ll be speaking about positive self-talk.

Shannon graciously agreed to answer a few questions about the topic and how self-talk affects women golfers. Enjoy!

Q: Why did you decide to go into sports psychology?

A: I discovered the area of sport psychology in high school and knew immediately that it was the perfect fit for me. Sport psychology combines two great passions of mine, sport and psychology. I have always been very competitive in multiple sports and really enjoyed the psychological side of things. Being involved in sports all my life and looking back when I was younger competing at a high level I definitely could have used sport psychology training! Even now I use the techniques and tools myself and enjoy finding new ways to help athletes improve their performance and gain that edge over their opponents.

Q: At our kick-off, you plan to speak about the importance of positive self-talk. What’s the importance of positive self-talk in sports in general?

A: Positive self-talk is a key component of creating a tough overall mental game. Everything I teach is rooted in the positive and focusing on athlete’s strengths. Being positive is crucial in building and maintaining confidence as well as motivation. It is the foundation of a strong overall game as well as it is central to many of the techniques and tools I use.

Q: What’s the importance of positive self-talk for golf in particular?

A: Golf, like all individual sports, revolves around the player. How the golfer approaches the tee, a shot that went off the fairway or a difficult shot are a few examples of key self-talk moments in the game. Think about every moment as being interconnected, the thoughts will creep into other areas and all of sudden your game is either going really well or quickly slipping downhill. Being able to utilize positive self-talk will in turn affect all areas of the game and give the golfer a sense of control over their game.

Q: In your practice, do you find that women are similar to men when it comes to self-talk habits or tendencies?

A: In some aspects yes and others no. For example, women tend to internalize (eg. “It’s me”) their mistakes while men externalize (eg. the weather). Women also tend to get down on themselves quickly and the negative self-talk piles up more. Emotions are also likely to get involved where as men are more practical and analytical. Men and women are the same though in that both genders have issues with negative self talk and it is a difficult area to change.

A: How do you find working with golfers?

Q: I have worked with quite a number of golfers and find working them quite enjoyable. Most golfers already have a good understanding of their game and know what they need to work on which helps focus our plan of action. The golfers I have experience working with also have done a great job of implementing the tools and techniques we created and have seen the improvement in their game. Also the sport of golf provides an easy and efficient working environment for me as I can be with the player as they play 9 or 18 holes which provides immediate feedback and support.

Q: Do you have any stories you can share about how working on “the inner game” has helped your golf clients?

A: I do! One college athlete had anxiety and nerves before his tee shots in his college tournaments as well as issues recovering from mistakes. We created performance routines for his shots and a routine for recovering from his mistakes and those routines significantly helped his play. Another examples was a golfer who would “duck hook” his drives almost every time. We worked on relaxation, controlling his emotions and focusing on the correct cues before his drive. By the end of the season he significantly reduced his “duck hooks” and also was more relaxed and composed if something went wrong which was rooted in his self talk as well as relaxation techniques.

Q: What’s the most important thing golfers should know about the mental game?

A: The most important thing that golfers should know is that you have complete control over your mental game unlike most everything else. The mental game is tied right into the physical game therefore directly affecting your play. How you approach the round even before you arrive, walking up to the first tee and your response to errors are just a few examples of areas that you control. Many golfers do not realize that they have this power and just one small change in a positive direction can affect their game.

For additional information about Shannon Walton, please see her website, The Ultimate Mental Edge.

CORRECTION: This article originally listed the kick-off times incorrectly. The correct times are 10:00 am – noon.

So. What is a GolfTEC swing analysis?

admin — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:40:32 +0000

One of the benefits of joining the Executive Women’s Golf Association is the discounts. EWGA members get discounts on a variety of golf-related products and services, such as 10% off GolfSmith orders and and — for when you’re planning a golf vacation — discounts on greens fees at Troon resorts.

Here at the Rochester Region, NY chapter we also offer a number of discounts to exclusive to our own chapter members. Members get discounts on our leagues and clinics, for instance, and on registration to many of our events.

In fact, if you take advantage of all of our Chapter discounts alone, you will more than cover your membership dues!

EWGA discounts from GolfTEC

Our Rochester GolfTEC also offers a special discount to our chapter members: 20% off GolfTEC lessons — twice the 10% EWGA discount GolfTEC offers on a national basis.

And, as you’ve learned from recent e-newsletters and website articles, GolfTEC is offering you a free swing analysis at our February 25 GolfTEC open house.

For the swing analysis, GolfTEC uses swing and ball flight technology to capture data about your current golf swing as the basis for developing a plan to improve.

If you’re interested in going further, you can sign up for GolfTEC lessons — again, taking advantage of the 20% EWGA member discount.

GolfTEC lessons also take advantage of technology. For instance, you can view your lessons over the Internet, including full-motion video drills, reference materials, and audio clips from your instructor telling you precisely what your key thoughts are for each position in your swing.

That means you can practice your game any time, from your home or office.

Click here to learn more about GolfTEC Rochester.

And if you want to attend our GolfTEC Open House on February 25th, there’s still time. Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Join us at GolfTEC. Free swing analysis! Putting contest!

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:07:43 +0000

Ready to get working on your game?

Then come join us at an open house at GolfTEC, 3240 Monroe Avenue in Pittsford, NY, on Thursday, February 25 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

It’s going to be a blast! You’ll get a free swing analysis, and GolfTEC is running a putting contest — the winner will receive a free golf evaluation from GolfTEC, which includes 90 minutes of golf instruction.

We’ll be serving wine and cheese.

The event is open to all Rochester area women golfers, including EWGA members and non-members.

The only catch: participation is limited! So please use the form below to RSVP if you plan to attend.

Note that we’re asking guests for a donation of $10 to cover the food.

See you then!

[contact-form]